Author: David Clendon

The NZIER has put out another of their ‘Insights’ papers, this time highlighting just how vulnerable our exports are to consumer perceptions that our goods are not sustainably produced. An urgent risk identified is that we are perceived as a country not making serious attempts to reduce our carbon emission, which will give our competitors an opportunity to turn market preferences away from our export products and services.

Some unfortunate news from the Tertiary sector late last week as strikes continued at six polytechnics where staff are engaged in a dispute with their employers, seeking a fair pay increase and the protection of their existing working conditions.

Having just picked up the role of Tertiary Education spokesperson for the Green Party, I was alarmed to hear Otago University Vice-Chancellor David Skegg calling for the Government to reintroduce interest on student loans while students are studying, and using the money to increase funding to Universities.